Manufacturing & Engineering Technology

Automation Robotics Engineering Technology

DELIVERY
Day

START
Fall and Spring Semester

CAMPUS
Eden Prairie Campus

OVERVIEW
Automated technology in today’s workplace calls for individuals who are highly skilled; that is why training at HTC is a great choice. In the packaging field, work varies according to the product manufactured, the process and machinery used, and the utilization of the product. What they have in common is the need for automated machine mechanics or technicians who have knowledge and hands-on experience. With training at HTC, you will be ready to apply your skills in the designing, building, installing, and troubleshooting of high-tech, high-speed automated electro-mechanical machinery systems for packaging and other manufacturing applications. Whether it is diagnosing and quickly solving problems so production flow is maintained or assisting engineers in the development and modification of new and existing designs, you will be prepared for a career that is set to grow as technology advances.

A longtime leader in Automation Robotics Engineering Technology (ARET) training, Hennepin Technical College is now the first technical college in Minnesota to be certified as an official training and education site for FANUC Robotics Material Handling Program Software.  This certification provides HTC with access to innovative instructional tools creating the ability to offer highly marketable and sought-after factory certified training.  HTC is the only technical college in Minnesota and one of only a few in the United States to attain certification. FANUC Certified Education Robot Training (CERT) can only be purchased from FANUC and is only offered to educational institutions that have a FANUC robot. HTC purchased a FANUC robot, through a grant, as a partner institution in the Minnesota Center for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence.  Additionally, the ARET program has two more FANUC and 14 robots from other industry suppliers.  Hennepin Technical College has three additional FANUC robots throughout the campus.

Work in the packaging field will vary according to the product manufactured, the process and machinery used, and the utilization of the product. However, most companies categorize the work into the following positions: Automated Machine Mechanic – a highly skilled individual whose skills include the ability to diagnose and quickly solve a problem so production flow is maintained. This person is competent in electronics, hydraulics, pneumatics, robotics, welding, machinist skills, and the use of micro-processors and programmable controllers.

These skills, plus a knowledge of packaging fundamentals, make the Automated Packaging Mechanic invaluable in today’s automated technology. Automated Machine Technician is knowledgeable in packaging materials, machinery, and systems used in the field of automation. Technicians are called upon to assist engineers in the development and modification of new and existing designs. Technicians set up production lines and train in-plant machine operators and maintenance personnel on its operation and troubleshooting techniques.

AWARD OUTCOMES
Successful completion of training in Automation Robotics Engineering Technology leads to excellent compensation in a high-demand field. Automation knowledge, skills, and attitudes are applied to the designing, building, installing, and trouble shooting of high-tech, high-speed automated electro-mechanical machinery systems for packaging and other manufacturing applications. Emphasized skills include:  problem-solving, repairing, fabricating, machining, and welding. Automated systems typically include computers, touch screens, quality assurance, vision systems, lasers, robots, programmable logic controllers (PLC), AC/DC/Servo/Stepper/VFD motor controls, hydraulic and pneumatic controls, conveyors, bar code/smartcard/RFID, electrical systems, electronic circuits, and a wide variety of sensors.

Graduates are eligible to pursue baccalaureate programs in Manufacturing and Engineering Technology.

Students may continue their education and proceed towards a Bachelor of Operations Management Degree at MSU-Moorhead.  Students may also continue their education towards a Bachelor of Manufacturing degree at the University of Minnesota-Crookston, which prepares the student for supervisory and management positions.